Comments on: 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 42)

By: Shylock

Shylock — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:48:39 +0000

Hahaha, I love the one about the "Dummies" book behind you. I laughed out loud. God definitely has a sense of humour and knows just how to make us smirk at ourselves!

Thanks for sharing!

By: aileen

aileen — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:14:51 +0000

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Susan

http://toddlergirls.net

By: J.C.

J.C. — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:33:38 +0000

Jen, does Rita know you're Catholic? Because Rita probably is, and Catholicism may be one of very few familiar things she's found in midst of this massive culture shock. This is such a great opportunity to impart, not only Christ's love through your affection, but also the teachings of His Church. Catholicism is largely cultural in Latin America, and evangelicalism is rapidly gaining influence and converts. While we can't know the specifics of God's plan for Rita (tow-truck driver ), as long as you continue to prayerfully consider the long-range happiness of her immortal soul, you can't fail….even if she isn't adopted, painful as that would be. I plan to start a novena to St. Philomena for that intention. My mother is Colombian, and I have an adopted brother and sister from Latin America. I don't know how much your readers know about third world Latin America, but I assure you, a few cute squabbling kids are the least of her worries. You did say she lived in an orphanage, didn't you? I'm a blond blue-eyed American whose childhood summers in Colombia were the diametrical opposite of Rita's life in all likelihood–chauffeurs, cooks, uniformed maids and nannies, little boys in white shorts to run after our tennis balls on the clay courts at the country club. Someone like Rita, unless she has an opportunity for higher education, would probably consider herself lucky to have any stable version of these jobs. As privileged Americans, we often forget the circumstances in which most of the world lives. God has a plan for each of those souls, regardless of their material circumstances. Those circumstances are largely "accidents" of geography and not proof of God's love or compassion. I love reading your blog as you arrive at this conclusion over and over again in your own life. The outward circumstances of our lives are largely irrelevant; what marks our lives is how we cooperate with God's grace. Regardless of how Rita's ChildSave time with you ends, I am sure the love, the example and the prayers you are better equipping her to fulfill God's plan in her life. Thank you for allowing us to share in so many of your experiences.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:56:55 +0000

A little tough love talk for you ...

Another Anonymous said: " ... these feelings come from pride ... "

Yepper. Just who is it you are performing for? 'Cause you speak about it as though it is a performance. Whose standards are you trying to meet and why?

This child came from a foreign orphanage and you're worried that she (or someone else?) is judging you on your laundry? Are you nuts?

You are giving her true love, not superficial "fun" experiences. Fun is OK, but love is more important. Oh, and by the way, when you see a child who is energetically engaged in some activity -- they're not necessarily having fun or enjoying themselves. It's not at all the same thing. So when you see all those warehoused kids at "daycamps," don't assume that it's all wonderful warm experiences for them. 'Cause it ain't.

You are doing the right thing and you are doing it the right way -- the real way, in a real family, in real life.

I'm wondering who is poisoning your confidence about this and why you are letting them do that?

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:25:40 +0000

Jen, re: the big meal at lunch time–it's summer. Why not try it as a summer experiment? Or have breakfast at dinner time?

By: Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:43:58 +0000

I deeply appreciate you, Jen....
God shines through all our cracks... (and oh, how we are all broken and cracked)...
and in His light, Rita finds warmth.

Keep letting Him radiate...

All's grace,
Ann

By: Josephene

Josephene — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:28:44 +0000

Hello, Jennifer,

Have you asked Rita how she's feeling?

By: Dorian Speed

Dorian Speed — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:31:30 +0000

Nothing new to add, just that I really benefit from your posts. You give me a lot to think about and I think you and your family are providing Rita with everything she needs. I am praying for all of you.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:24:03 +0000

My computer addiction tip for avoiding the ol' "5 minutes turned into 30" scenario. Set a timer. But set it for 10, because you can't really get what you want done in 5.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:50:31 +0000

Maybe I have no clue what I'm talking about, but I'll say it anyway.

First, if Rita wants a family then she's gonna get all the things you're doing "wrong" - backed up laundry and dishes and lulls in the day. Maybe she's actually loving it because of how real it is - how homey it is. I feel like some friends you pick up the house for, some friends you can fold your laundry in front of, and some friends you can fold your underwear in front of. My best friends fall in teh last catergory.

Also, I totally agree with the comment about happy vs. fun. And maybe you're a bit too "American" to think that giving her love isn't enough. I hope you know what I mean by that.